Matthew 10:8

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Heal {G2323} the sick {G770}, cleanse {G2511} the lepers {G3015}, raise {G1453} the dead {G3498}, cast out {G1544} devils {G1140}: freely {G1432} ye have received {G2983}, freely {G1432} give {G1325}.

heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those afflicted with tzara'at, expel demons. You have received without paying, so give without asking payment.

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give.

Commentary

Matthew 10:8 (KJV) Commentary

"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give."

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' instructions to the twelve apostles as He sends them out on their first mission. He gives them authority to perform specific acts that demonstrate the power of God and the arrival of the Kingdom.

Meaning and Themes

Jesus commissions His disciples with significant power to heal, cleanse, raise, and cast out demons. These actions were signs that validated their message and ministry, showing that God's power was at work through them.

The second part of the verse, "freely ye have received, freely give," is a core principle for their service. They received this divine authority and ability as a gift, without earning it or paying for it. Therefore, they were to minister to others in the same spirit of generosity, not charging for their services or seeking personal gain from these miraculous acts. It underscores that God's gifts are based on grace, not commerce.

  • Authority and Power: Jesus delegates His authority to His followers.
  • Signs of the Kingdom: The miracles demonstrate God's active presence and power.
  • Generosity in Ministry: Service should be motivated by God's free gift, not financial gain.
  • Stewardship: God's gifts are to be used to bless others as they were freely received.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word translated "freely" is ฮดฯ‰ฯฮตฮฌฮฝ (*dลrean*), meaning "gratuitously," "without cost," "as a gift." It strongly emphasizes the idea of something given or received without payment or obligation, purely out of generosity.

Significance and Application

This verse highlights the nature of God's grace โ€“ salvation, spiritual gifts, and opportunities for service are unmerited gifts. It sets a high standard for Christian ministry and service, reminding believers that whatever abilities or resources they have received from God should be used to bless others generously, reflecting the selfless nature of divine love and giving. It challenges us to consider if we are using what God has given us for His glory and the good of others, or for personal profit.

See also: Acts 3:6, 1 Peter 4:10

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 3:6

    Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

  • Acts 4:30

    By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

  • Luke 10:9

    And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

  • Matthew 10:1

    ยถ And when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

  • Acts 20:33

    I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

  • Acts 20:35

    I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

  • Mark 16:18

    They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
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